Differences in Rotational Kinetics and Kinematics for Professional Baseball Pitchers With Higher Versus Lower Pitch Velocities.

Differences in Rotational Kinetics and Kinematics for Professional Baseball Pitchers With Higher Versus Lower Pitch Velocities.
J Appl Biomech. 2020 Mar 06;:1-8
Authors: Luera MJ, Dowling B, Muddle TWD, Jenkins NDM
Abstract
Pitch velocity (PV) is important for pitching success, and the pelvis and trunk likely influence pitch performance. The purposes of this study were to examine the differences in pelvis and trunk kinetics and kinematics in professional baseball pitchers who throw at lower versus higher velocities (HVPs) and to examine the relationships among pelvis and trunk kinetics and kinematics and PV during each phase of the pitch delivery. The pitch velocity, pelvis and trunk peak angular velocities, kinetic energies and torques, and elbow and shoulder loads were compared among HVPs (n = 71; PV ≥ 40.2 m/s) and lower velocities pitchers (n = 78; PV < 39.8 m/s), as were trunk and pelvis rotation, flexion, and obliquity among 7 phases of the pitching delivery. Relationships among the kinetic and kinematic variables and PVs were examined. Higher velocity pitchers achieved greater upper trunk rotation at hand separation (+7.2°, P < .001) and elbow extension (+5.81°, P = .002) and were able to generate greater upper trunk angular velocities (+36.6 m/s, P = .01) compared with lower velocity pitcher. Trunk angular velocity (r = .29) and upper trunk rotation at hand separation (r = .18) and foot contact (r = .17) were wea...

Source: Journal of Applied Biomechanics - March 7, 2020 Category: Sports Medicine Tags: J Appl Biomech Source Type: research